A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Ramalina canariensis
A pale green foliose lichen with branching, pendulous thalli. Many soredia (reproductive discs) on the thalli.
These were prolific on the stems of Grey mangroves (Avicennia marina) and often within 30mm of where the high tide would have reached.
I want to know now how much salt this lichen can withstand. An analysis of lichen population across the whole mangrove community in light of prevailing winds and wave patterns would be interesting... maybe next time. There is an accompanying golden lichen to be posted next.
Spotted on Jul 7, 2013
Submitted on Jul 8, 2013
5 Comments
Thanks again Jemma. I've had some good reads. Although modern lichens are generally intolerant of salt there are a few that thrive in marginal salt environments (dunked twice per day). This is not really one of them but is often seen down to the high tide mark. Interestingly this one is regarded by many as the standard 'canary in the cage' for other environmental indicators like air quality.
"The effect of atmospheric desiccation and osmotic water stress on photosynthesis and dark respiration of lichens" in the New Phytologist. This article might shed some light.
Hmm... I'll have to research a bit more Jemma. The seagulls here seem to consume anything at all (even MacDonald's chips). I'm certain lichens are a little more fussy.
It probably can withstand as much salt as a Sea Gull can!
It must be having a mechanism to get rid of excess salt like the Sea Gulls do.
My two cents! :)
interesting indeed!